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the hands of a Communist dictatorship.
Is this morally
defensible or is it really true that in international politics
the highest form of morality is one's own national interest?
PRIME MINISTER
Can I just say this to you: what do you think would
have happened if we had not attempted to get an agreement?
In 1997, 92% of the Territory would automatically have returned
to China without any assurances, without any of the advantages
of the Agreement that we have now.
May I not put it to you that the situation now is
vastly better for Hong Kong and accepts and honours and
acknowledges the fact that China wishes the lifestyle of Hong
Kong to continue under that Agreement.
I think you would have had great cause to complain had
the Government of Great Britain done nothing until 1997, and
I believe that most of the people
·
indeed, the overwhelming
number of people in Hong Kong
-
think the same. You may be
the solitary exception.
LAWRENCE NCDONALD (APP)
Prime Minister, I would like to ask a question about
the drafting of the basic law.
Did you seek from the Chinese Leaders, during your
visit to Peking, any assurances that Hong Kong people would
not only be consulted on the drafting of the basic law, but